Month: January 2019

What do PRINCIPALS DO when SCHOOL is CLOSED?

Here’s the million-dollar question, “What do principals do when school is closed because of inclement weather?” I’ve heard of some really daring principals doing some cool things like snowboarding, sledding and skiing! I’ve even heard of a very talented principal making a rap song for his students. There are also some principals who enjoy the day relaxing and catching up on favorite television shows. Well, this principal hasn’t fallen into either of the before mentioned categories. I have contemplated boiling a pot of water, going outside, tossing the water into the air, and recording how quickly it freezes. Note, “contemplated.” I haven’t done this because, I am the only person at home; therefore, there is no one to take a picture. Plus, I am sure that someone will think that I am truly “crazy” since the windchill factor is currently -22! This principal has used her “school-closed day”shampooing the carpet, catching up on school work, and reading a book that I started during the summer. I know, I don’t sound COOL~ but I do sound COMMITTED! I know that you are not interested in my housekeeping skills or how I created a meticulous schedule, so by default, I must tell you about the book that I’m reading. Don’t frown! I am not getting theoretical, although the book is researched based, it’s an easy read.  If you take out the fluff and acknowledgements, it’s only 124 pages of type 12 font. You can handle it! I ordered the book after reading a tweet from a principal who accredited the book for changing the dynamics of his school. So, before I even knew that I was inheriting a blue-ribbon bound school, I ordered the book. While I am not trying to increase sales of “The 7 Mindsets” by Scott Shickler and Jeff Waller, I must admit, I love what these guys have written.

I fell in love with the book, “The 7 Mindsets”, after reading the introduction. Shickler and Waller emphasized ensuring that children see the value in what they have done as opposed to waiting for affirmation from someone else. The authors further emphasized that adults speak a different language than children. Whether using a parent’s voice, teacher’s voice, or principal’s voice, adults are not making connections with kids because they are not speaking their language. The writers highlighted a few common memes often used by adults to motivate kids.  Adults have used these memes because the memes have been inherited! That’s right, more likely than not, these memes have been used to motivate us at some point in our lives. These “hand-me-down” memes have the opposite impact on “new generation kids” because “they” interpret the memes differently. For example, an adult may say, “don’t make the same mistake twice” hoping that the child whom he/she is speaking with should learn from his/her mistake and move forward. Shickler and Waller surmised that children digest the meme to mean, “Mistakes are bad and because mistakes are bad, don’t try things that are difficult.” The authors have interviewed people that kids know and admire. The book is filled with historical connections related to current curriculum. There are motivational quotes from noted people whose contributions are known by kids. Each chapter highlights 1 of 7 mindsets that will lead to ultimate success.

I am not going to write another sentence about the book…. JUST READ It!

I will be visiting my kids when the weather warms and our doors open.  We will be discussing the first mindset, “Everything Is Possible!”

BLUE RIBBON here We Come!

Laugh with Your School Family

Today is the day after our Family Field Trip to see a college basketball game. On one of the coldest Saturdays that Chicago has experienced this year, many families and several teachers joined me for our very first Family Field Trip. The trip offered the opportunity to spend relaxing time with some of our kids and their parents. It also offered the opportunity for the kids to experience the lights and glam of a college basketball game. Most of us parked at the school and rode the big yellow school bus, an adventure by itself. Others joined us at our designation. This blog is written to say, “thank you” to the families and teachers that attended our Family Field Trip on that blistery Saturday afternoon.  It is also written to remind my fellow colleagues to take time to laugh with your “school family.” I found the afternoon with my “school family” to be very enjoyable!

On the bus, I had the opportunity to talk with several parents. They shared tidbits of their life, nothing personal, just enough to make us all laugh and to allow us to become better acquainted. As we ventured towards our designation, a parent passed her alma mater and the community where she was raised. She shared historical information about the community and spoke of her family’s businesses.  As we continued our journey, I was asked questions about the schools that I had attended and the degrees that I have obtained. We discovered that we had similar interests and laughed about the silly things that children do. In a later conversation, a parent shared details pertaining to her career choice.  She indicated that she was currently pursuing a master’s degree.  The most spirited mom of all, tickled our taste buds as she described the delicious meals she had prepared for her family; she proudly displayed pictures on her phone.  At the basketball game, we cheered for the home team, that wasn’t winning, and questioned their defensive tactics. We ate snacks, took goofy pictures, and encouraged the kids to mingle with the team mascot. You know, every mom wants the perfect picture.  I even did a little chair dancing. The kids thought I was cool. The afternoon was far from a “typical afternoon” at work; it was filled with laughter.

I share this story because as teachers and principals, we seldom have time to build relationships with our parents outside of the school arena. We infrequently take the time to do something that isn’t on a “To Do List.” We rarely laugh with our families. Building relationships with our families are important because our families trust us with their kids. In addition to trusting us with their kids, our families hold us in high regard, and we should reciprocate by holding our families in high regard.

I smile when I think about the great afternoon that we had!

Hooves UP to MY School Family!

Words Speak Volumes

We’ve all heard the cliché “words speak volumes.” I’d like to extend the cliché a few notches by adding “they can inflate or deflate, choose your words wisely.” There are trillions of words floating around in the limitless universe. The impact of a few words differs depending on how they are linked together and the tone by which they are presented. Words, spoken or written, can deliver powerful punches! They can make a person feel like an overblown balloon or a flat tire! Picture the kid who receives a “B” on a math test after studying every day for 2-weeks and the teacher says, “If you had studied a little harder, you could have gotten an A.”  Imagine the teacher who has spent endless hours planning engaging lessons and is hearing, “the mark hasn’t been met.” Envision the supportive colleague who has listened to “whoa” and provided guidance suddenly being confronted with, “nobody likes you.” Digest receiving constructive criticism and hearing the conversation close with, “I don’t think you can do that.”  

In our bustling world of “move forward”, “meet the mark”, “surpass the mark”, and “don’t be last”, it is sometimes forgotten that words can deliver “knockout punches.” If the goal is to “move forward”, “meet the mark”, “surpass the mark”, and “don’t be last”, words must be chosen meticulously. It is an arduous task to find the perfect words that convey, “I know you are committed.”;  “I know that you have worked hard.”;  “I value what you have done.”; and “I know that you’ve been a supportive colleague.”when there is a “BUT” that follows. When there are difficult conversations that must be communicated, before sharing, stand in the other person’s shoes. There are very few people who would proudly wear a heavy weight belt that says “Unmotivated”, “Loser”, “Unlikeable”, or “Who Cares.”  Recognizing commitment and dedication softens the impact of a heavy blow and leaves the other person standing.

In the previous weeks, I’ve delivered a few upper cuts but no knockout punches.  When speaking to my team, I’ve chosen my words carefully because I know that they are committed.  I know that they have worked hard.  I know that they want our kids to be SUCCESSFUL! I’ve contemplated numerous hours; it is time for us to move in a different direction. Knowing my awesome team, I am confident that they will embrace the challenge, and be SUCCESSFUL.

My team and I are in the Heavy Weight Championship of Education! There’s a Blue Ribbon calling OUR NAME!

The Dream Lives…

I am home today in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King’s contributions and sacrifices. I stress the word “observance” because today is not Dr. King’s birthday, nor is it the date of his assassination. Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. His contributions are beyond noteworthy and speak volumes to those who believe in equality for ALL people. The “believers”, I included, are likely to have a repertoire of Dr. King’s quotes. His colloquial words have served to motivate and inspire those who are charged with the responsibility of preparing children to be Leaders of Tomorrow. As Dr. King elegantly professed, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.”    

While mantras may simply motivate and spark action when they are recited, quotes that transcend time serve as the catalyst for forward thinking and action. I share with you, how our awesome teachers are discovering our Masterpieces and are living proof of Dr. King’s vision. We value education, it’s in our DNA!

On any given day, at any given time, our teachers are challenging our Masterpieces to think outside of the box and to embrace challenges as rewards that lead to expanded knowledge. Students are required to explain their thinking and to express their thoughts with clarity. Students bravely tackle new objectives knowing that if they persevere, success is guaranteed! By merely, hearing the word “yet”, students reboot and continue with passion! Working as a team and respecting the thoughts of others is highly emphasized. I am delighted when I enter classrooms and find students collaboratively working. Students are patient, considerate, supportive, and confident. They are eager to complete problems at the board and anxious to share their written products with peers. When I see and hear our students “show off”, I am elated! I am equally as impressed with our students who persevere and demonstrate grit!  The determination displayed by EL students learning the fundamentals of the English language is immeasurable. When struggling writers come to my office to share their works of art, I am ecstatic. I visited a classroom and challenged a group of students to a “math off.”  I was tickled to death when a student told his peers, “Dr. Walker-Hood’s graph is wrong; it’s supposed to be 9 not 8.5.” I am proud when our students hold the doors for each other, say “thank you” when they receive compliments, and wait patiently in the lunch line. I was astonished when a student thanked me for issuing a lunch detention and teaching him a lesson.

With each action, spoken and unspoken,  our teachers are accentuating Dr. King’s vision. I am happy to see our teachers smile when students have tackled hurtles with determination and have won! I know our teachers are proud of their students!

I am proud of our students and teachers!

Hooves Up for Perseverance and Determination!

If Walls Could Talk

Don’t become too overly excited by this alluring title. I haven’t hung up my Mustang spirit wear for a Nikon D or Canon ESO. I am not a newly branded paparazzo, although, I am in pursuit of my crown as “Twitter Queen.” I am still a principal of an amazing elementary school filled with young Masterpieces and crafty Artists.

About a month ago, the annual safety inspection was completed in our district. Our school is well maintained and very pristine. Our overly zealous custodial team ensured that our school would past the inspection with top ratings. Stress levels rise when the state authorities enter your building wearing white gloves and carrying clipboards! District administrators, our custodian, and I escorted the inspectors as they toured. While walking, an inspector shared, ” I’ve never seen a gymnasium with so much stuff on the walls.” I paused, without commenting. He continued, ” You’re okay, you pass code, but it’s just so much stuff. I’ve never seen that in a gymnasium.” As the person reading, you are probably imagining banners of league teams hanging from the rafters, maybe some pictures of notable athletes on the accent walls, and a few posters emphasizing sportsmanship. By deductive reasoning, you’ve probably concluded, that isn’t the case in our school! I will admit, our gymnasium, may be overwhelming at first glance but if you take a moment to explore, you will find that it is a cavern of motivation.

On a wall, in large letters are the words: RESPECT, RESPONSIBLE, and SAFE; key terms which accentuate the expectations that we have established with our kids. Additionally, there are numerous quotes prompting positive mindset, determination, and teamwork. There are silhouettes of children playing sports, game rules, and stations where kids can assess their skillsets.  There is even a display that connects to our brand, “Discovering Our Masterpieces!” By each door, images are posted; each kid hits a mark before exiting to assess his or her behavior while in the gymnasium.  A space that is typically viewed as a place to demonstrate physical agility is an environment that transforms the mental and emotional state of our kids.

As I walk the corridors and visit classrooms, I see many visuals that remind our kids that they are special and limitless.  There is a quote which reminds kids to be the “cool kid” that gets along with others.  Several quotes that are displayed on the monitor remind our kids that they are Masterpieces.  Throughout our school, you will also find posters emphasizing positive mindset, determination, and respect. In classrooms and the office, we proudly display our blue ribbons because we are a “Blue-Ribbon” school under construction.    

Our walls speak loudly!

What’s on YOUR walls?

Hooves Up Cheerleaders!

I think we are amid basketball season and I am almost certain that there’s a big game on the flat screen today.  While I know cheerleading takes much agility, strength, and a great set of lungs, I am not referring to the “rah-rah” squad standing on the sideline intensely watching the big game.  Nor, am I referring to the forever proud parents who traveled 600 miles to see their offspring play 5 minutes in the big game! I am referring to the special people in our lives that cheer us along the way.  They pick us up, make us laugh, lend a hand, and say the exact phrase we need to hear, when we need it most.  Some are note writers, some send text messages, and some appear in our doorways when we least expect them!  Now mind you, they may not have the agility to do backward flips, but they WILL BEND OVER BACKWARDS FOR US!

We are fortunate to have a squad of AA Cheerleaders in our school! I see and hear them every day! They motivate, encourage, and cheer us to VICTORY! Some cheerleaders are very vocal, the words of praise echoes in their classrooms: “Awesome!”, “Great Job!”, “You Rock!”, “You Are So Brave!”, and “High Five!” While these motivational mantras are somewhat common, sometimes you hear a statement that resonates like, “Tell that old mean word problem, I’m not afraid of You!” Whatever it takes to make AWESOME happen, occurs in our school! I’ve seen crazy dances, fists bumps, and I hear that there’s this wacky principal that Daps and says, “Hooves Up!” We focus a boat load of energy on letting kids know, they can SUCCEED! We also uplift and cheer each other to VICTORY! While the adult motivational mantras don’t have quite the same flare: “Don’t Ignore Me! “Hit your Turbo Button!”, “You’re not that Person!”, and “Find Your Sunshine!“; they move us to the next bend in our journey to SUCCESS. We know that setbacks happen, but we don’t live on “Can’t Do Avenue.” We visit but we go home.

Some cheerleaders are “Doers.” They stand on ladders to hold bulletin board paper, hang quotes on walls that encourage kids, meet during lunchtime to plan school events, sponsor fundraising endeavors, and stay after school to set-up for the next day’s event. Some cheerleaders are “Extenders.” They bring their families to school activities, attend district events on Saturdays, and tailgate when colleagues are too sick to drive home. Some cheerleaders just share laughter and make OUR ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS, HAPPEN!

Here’s to the AA Cheerleaders in our school, “HOOVES UP!” They make AWESOME HAPPEN!

Run Your Own Race

Have you ever felt that you are running at top speed, but you are still at the starting gate? You’ve prepared for the race, but the finish line is nowhere in sight! You’ve trained countless hours, you’ve eaten the balanced meals, you’ve purchased the perfect running shoes, and of course, the “all eyes on me” outfit but you are still at the starting gate. It seems like giving up deep dish pizza for a beautiful bed of dark green spinach was a waste of time. Your commitment to the gym could have easily been replaced by a commitment to shopping at the local mall. Fret no more, I know the source of your dismay! You are running someone else’s race. While you might not like this imagery, you must imagine yourself as a grand stallion running in the Kentucky Derby. You are lean, sleek, and super-fast! You are also wearing blinders, so you can’t see the horses who are in the neighboring corrals. Sink or swim, your focus is straight ahead!

I’ve shared this analogy while talking with teachers who meander into my office when the only people left in the building are us and the evening custodian. I’ve also used it, when I’ve needed a big gulp of “I CAN, and I WILL” diet soda. My team is comprised of skilled people who care about kids. Each person has a special talent that makes our team successful. There are no races to the finish line.  The only race scheduled in our school, is the race to improve yourself! A previous teacher, whom I so admire, once told me, ” Oh my gosh, you are in a race with yourself!” I just smiled!

The mindset of “running your own race” embraces the ideas of others and seeks the support of others but eliminates unhealthy competition. The competition exists but it is between you and yourself. Running your own race requires self-reflection and self-motivation! It requires stamina and a willingness to explore. It allows you to fly freely. Exploration encompasses collaborating with colleagues, attending professional workshops, reading professional journals, or simply regrouping and refocusing. It removes stress, allows laughter, and promotes success.

Each day, there are more than three hundred races scheduled in our school. Each race will have a winner. Each student, teacher, and member of our team will fly freely!

Spread your Wings! Learn how to FLY!

Do YOU

If your goal is to have a school where kids are maximizing their potential, sharing ideas, expanding their thinking, and doing really amazing things, you have to embrace the power of “Do You.” If you want to have a school where everyone comes to work happy, energetic, and are willing to show their one two punch, you have to embrace the power of “Do You.” Don’t underestimate the power of “Do You!” It is an amazing power! If I were truly a super hero; “Do You” would be my superpower. While “Do You” opens the door for awesome things to happen, it closes the door on mediocrity. It encourages everyone to put their best foot forward while embracing their special talents and skills. When that happens, expect a masterpiece!

Before continuing, I have a disclaimer. I am a ruler follower. I set expectations. I am a thinker. I believe that a strategic plan that has been masterfully crafted, shared, dissected, and tweaked, will lead to success. I’m sharing the disclaimer because “Do You” doesn’t mean “Do What YOU Want to Do”; it has parameters. If it didn’t, some of us might be zooming down the expressway in a Lamborghini going 220 miles an hour! I know that’s not happening in my world!

“Do You” allows us to expand ourselves by embracing our short comings and mistakes as avenues to New Successes! At a staff meeting after sharing some news that kindled a few undertones, I told my team, find your special person, share your frustrations but move on. We don’t live on “Can’t Do Avenue“; visit but come home. After a hearty laugh, a sense of calmness filled the room. I have come to realize that we all need the opportunity to express our frustrations in a non-threatening atmosphere but the key is not to allow frustrations to halter progress. I advocate private deliberations of uncertainty because too much “venting” can become the catalysis to a negative environment. Once that happens, progress becomes an uphill climb.

Embracing “Do You” allows members of my team to share their unique talents and skills. Their special talents and skills make coming to school a gratifying venture for our kids.  As quoted by John Ruskin, “When love and skill work together, expect a Masterpiece.”   Our kids are maximizing their potential, sharing ideas, expanding their thinking, and doing really amazing things, they are Masterpieces!

S is for Supportive

While most teachers would proudly wear a badge that says, “I’m a Team Player”, “I Support Kids”, or “Giving Support is My Superpower”; it takes special qualities to truly earn the distinction. Besides being a stellar instructional leader, an exemplary role model, a comforter of tears and fears, and a stylish fashionista, a teacher must be supportive of their students, colleagues, and administrators. Yes, I have included administrators; administrators need love too! Although, I don’t like to brag, I must admit, my team has earned a Blue Ribbon for being supportive. Today’s blog highlights how we work together to make “Awesome” happen in our school!

We started the school year laden with the usual organizational tasks: establishing school and classroom expectations, ensuring that breakfast and lunch were served in ample time, and practicing safety drills. Added to the list, was an arduous task; one that required collaboration and support from several team members. To briefly summarize the predicament, there was a grade where it was challenging to provide ample support during math instruction due to enrollment size. While I pondered how to alleviate the problem, a teacher volunteered to accept additional students into her math class. I was truly taken back by this demonstration of support shown by the teacher. As we discussed the needs of the students, she simply said,” I just want to help.” Although we continued to modify our plans during the weeks that followed, the teacher had voluntarily accepted responsibility for fifteen additional students. In my book, she deserves a badge that says, “Giving Support is My Superpower!”

My teachers demonstrate their support of our kids in many ways. They seek to build professional relationships that encompasses students’ interests within and outside of the classroom environment. While leaving the building about 5:30 p.m. one evening, a teacher mentioned that she was going to watch her student play softball. In a tweeted post, another teacher shared, “At my student’s soccer game; he supported me, so I can support him.” A very spirited teacher has crowned a stuffed animal which she adored as a child as the designated classroom mascot. Without hesitation, she has shared animated stories about her childhood. It doesn’t stop there, there have been numerous conversations focusing on how to meet the instructional needs of children, how to support children who are being raised by grandparents and other relatives, and how to simply make children understand that our school is a haven. My teachers never give up! They come to school with a SMILE, and they make AWESOME happen!

I am often at school late, typical for a school administrator. Occasionally, I am completing a task that couldn’t be started or finished during the day. Sometimes, I am planning for a special event that will be hosted the following day. Before leaving for the day, I guarantee, that five to six teachers will ask, “Can I Help?” Sometimes, they laugh and say, “You are doing too much”, and just pitch in. Their presence makes any task easier and promotes much laughter among the group. Their SUPPORT is priceless!

So you see, our success as AWESOME educators relies greatly on our ability to build relationships and to support each other! I appreciate my team because we CARE about KIDS! We don’t do average, WE DO AWESOME!!

Morning Mojo

So, most of us have heard that we should start the day with a healthy breakfast. Some of us have changed that phrase to simply “breakfast.” The shortened version allows us to indulge in the sugary specialties and caffeine boosters that we so love. Well, this post isn’t about encouraging kids to eat a healthy breakfast before coming to school or to reiterate any of the specific mantras that we educators have pocketed in our royal blue bags of motivational dust. Note, my bag is royal blue because that’s my school color; yours may be red, purple, or green. You get it, your bag represents your school color. Anyway, this post is about school climate and how it impacts the children and adults who learn, work, and succeed in our school.

I have numerous years of experience as a school administrator; the years keep flying by. I’ve been in several districts and have overseen many schools, but I must admit that my current school has the Blue Ribbon on school climate. After a few short weeks, I noticed something that wasn’t so typical…. EVERYONE COMES TO SCHOOL HAPPY! One morning, I mentioned to my amazingly awesome secretary, “Everyone here is so happy in the morning.” In the background, I heard laughter, people saying “good morning”, and the sharing of tidbits from the previous night’s attempt to unwind. Their conversations were genuine, thoughtful comments were shared, and in some instances, a new voice would join a conversation. While this is what happens inside the building, what happens before my team enters the building is equally as impressive.

Outside, before entering the building, one sees individuals walking in clusters, anxious to start the day. They are talking and smiling. Helping hands are extended to those of us who have more bags than hands. Door holding is a common courtesy. Rest assured, if you are out of your car, someone is holding the door for you! I too, reciprocate the courtesy. One morning, I was ahead of a group of 3; I held the door while saying “Git-it Up Mustangs!” They all laughed and said “Comin’ Boss.” Hence the beginning of a great day!

I add my 2 scoops to the cup of morning happiness by saying “good morning, how’s it going, cute dress, nice haircut, etc.”, each a genuine comment to a specific person. Before the instructional day starts, I visit each classroom to tell my kids “good morning.” Sometimes a “good morning” leads to a quick review of the days of the week, a short paragraph read to me, a lesson in shoe tying, and sometimes a simple nod to let me know that yesterday’s problem was solved. I know that my kids love for me to visit their classrooms each morning. If something happens and I miss a classroom, a student or teacher will let me know that I was missed. My “good mornings” are second nature and they have a great impact! My kids say “good morning” when passing in the hallways; I compliment the kids and make them laugh! I also see the amazing things my teachers are doing to help Our kids move forward. I see small group instruction. I hear compliments about new gym shoes, coats, haircuts, hair styles, anything that will make a kid smile. I hear teachers saying, “I am so glad you came to school!” I see HOW MUCH my AMAZINGLY AWESOME TEAM CARES!

So, that’s how WE start OUR day.  We make it happen, all Hooves UP!

P.S. Our mascot is a Mustang.

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